According to a recent report in the Sheffield Star, Derby County are interested in signing Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson next summer.
Dawson’s contract at Hillsborough expires next summer and he is free to walk away.
The Owls shot-stopper came through the academy and broke into the first team under former manager Jos Luhukay. He made 26 Championship starts last season.
This term, Dawson has mainly played back-up to Kieren Westwood. With Joe Wildsmith also an option, the Owls are well stocked in the goalkeeping department.
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images).
Derby, on the other hand, have a weakness in options between the sticks.
Scott Carson joined Manchester City in the summer, leaving Kelle Roos as the number one and Ben Hamer in reserve following his loan from Huddersfield Town.
Roos is a decent shot-stopper. On the ball, he’s arguably up there with the very best in the Championship. In the air, however, he has a major flaw which needs eradicating.
It’s no coincidence that Derby have conceded more than ten goals this season from crosses and set-pieces. There is no confidence in Roos to come and claim the ball.
Fingers were again pointed at the Dutchman during Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Fulham. He was indecisive for Bobby Reid’s opener, while Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled Fulham’s lead with a header inside Derby’s six-yard box from a corner. The Serb didn’t even need to jump.
Standing at 6ft 5inch, it’s a mystery why Roos isn’t better in the air. Aside from struggling to catch crosses, he seemingly lacks intent and bravery to command his box.
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images).
The Sheffield Star claim Derby are looking at Dawson for next summer. But, by waiting until then the Rams run the risk of the 24-year-old signing a new deal or moving elsewhere.
If Derby have pinpointed Dawson as a future number one, seeking a cut-price deal in January would now make sense. Roos needs a break, and Hamer isn’t a long-term option.
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